Association Show News
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May 15, 2025
Trade show security requires more than just hiring guards, setting up checkpoints, and installing cameras––it requires a strategic and adaptable approach. To equip show organizers with practical, scalable security frameworks to help protect attendees, exhibitors, and staff from evolving threats, the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) recently hosted a safety and security webinar, “From Risk to Readiness: Building Event Security That Holds Under Pressure.”
Featuring insights from four industry executives––including Mike Carlucci, COO, Clarion Events; Mike Grant, senior vice… more
May 08, 2025
In recent weeks, an event strategy and marketing agency and two key industry associations announced new offerings for trade shows and events.
Women in Exhibitions 2025 World Summit Set For July at Excel London
Women in Exhibitions (WiE), a global network focused on empowering women in the exhibitions and events industry, has announced that its 2025 WiE World Summit will take place July 8-9 at Excel London. This year’s theme, “Elevate, Accelerate: Together We Rise,” highlights the collective power of inclusive leadership and cross-industry collaboration to drive innovation, equity, and… more
May 07, 2025
Remind attendees and exhibitors to bring their REAL IDs or passports when they travel to domestic trade shows beginning today, May 7. Despite numerous delays in the implementation, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.
If your driver’s license does not have a star marking on the upper top portion of the card, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won’t be accepted as proof of identity to board commercial aircraft. Passports are acceptable.
Back story: The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005,… more
Apr 29, 2025
Sustainability is increasingly becoming a driving force behind the way trade shows are planned and executed, and food and beverage (F&B) is taking center stage as a key opportunity for organizers to reduce the environmental impact of their events. From sourcing local, seasonal ingredients and plant-forward menus to minimizing food waste and reducing single-use serve and serviceware, sustainable F&B practices can significantly contribute to an event’s overall eco-footprint.
So how can trade show organizers work with their venue’s culinary team to bring sustainability to the… more
Apr 24, 2025
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE)—the largest association for the industry, representing more than 12,000 professionals—recently released the latest edition of its landmark “The Art of the Show” textbook.
Unveiled in March, it marks the sixth edition of the text, and the first to be published in nearly four years. It’s safe to say a lot has changed in trade show trends in that time, and “the latest textbook highlights the increasing complexity of events and the genuine need to understand our audiences,” according to Rich Vallaster, the director of industry… more
Apr 21, 2025
Both consumers and the stock market have been experiencing whiplash lately over President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs.
He recently announced a 90-day pause for countries that were hit by higher U.S. tariffs on April 2, saying that, as of right now, they will only face a blanket tariff of 10%, except for China, whose tariffs have been raised to 145%. This is in addition to the levies that were already imposed on Mexico and Canada earlier in the year.
The back-and-forth has created a level of uncertainty for the global meetings sector that hasn’t been felt since COVID.
The tariffs are… more
Apr 18, 2025
Held March 31-April 3 at the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin, Texas, the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) CEO Summit 2025 broke attendance records with a total of 325 attendees, of which 22% were first-timers, said SISO CEO Vinnie Polito.
The annual gathering attracted a who’s who of industry leaders, with representatives from all major independent trade show companies, including Informa, RX, Clarion, Access Intelligence, Diversified, Emerald, and more.
If you didn’t attend this year’s event or you want to relive the highlights, we’ve got you covered. Here’s… more
Apr 11, 2025
According to the Events Industry Council (EIC), event sustainability means taking action towards preserving our natural environment; promoting a healthy, inclusive society, and supporting a thriving economy. For most events, this usually translates into cutting back energy and water usage and reducing waste. But some event organizers are going the extra mile to make a difference by launching initiatives such as using algae as ink or offering onsite sustainability tours.
EarthX
From its humble beginnings as an Earth Day street festival in Dallas, EarthX has now grown into a large-scale,… more
Apr 09, 2025
The U.S. business-to-business (B2B) exhibition industry continues to rebound, recording the strongest quarter since the pandemic in the fourth quarter (Q4) 2024, according to the recently released Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) Index that measures exhibition performance for exhibitors, attendance, net square footage, and real revenues.
“Recent results confirm the continued recovery in trade show activity through the end of last year,” said Tourism Economics President Adam Sacks. “This year our baseline outlook remains positive, though we expect economic and policy… more
Apr 03, 2025
The Events Industry Council (EIC) unveiled its Futures Landscape Report 2025, which offers a comprehensive analysis of the factors poised to shape the global business events industry in the coming years. Released on March 10, this forward-looking report synthesizes insights from a global survey of business event stakeholders, as well as a series of think-tank workshops consisting of leaders from EIC’s more than 60 members, strategic partners, and volunteer leaders sharing their unique insights and perspectives.
Developed in collaboration with the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (… more
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.